Harley Benton CLA-15M SolidWood

Lots of other reviewers have said this is a great guitar for the money. This is a great guitar, full stop!
I'm going to make direct comparisons with the Martin 00015M, on which it's based. The fact that the 2 guitars even stand comparison says it all.

Weight, balance and sustain are all comparable. For me, there was always a slight dead spot on the G string of the Martin, but not on the HB.
The finishes on the Martin are better quality, as you'd expect, and there is a more uniform colour to the mahogany, which almost certainly means a superior cut of wood was used, but I don't hear those differences in the playing.
On delivery, both guitars were pretty well set up. I had a full pro setup on the Martin but I haven't done that yet for the Harley. I'm not sure it needs it!
I found no issues with frets etc, although I found 2 tiny, and I mean tiny, blemishes on the Harley headstock. The Martin, as you'd expect, was faultless.
The most important bit - playability! Both are very light guitars, and just beg to be picked up and played. Which am I enjoying more? The Harley Benton! It just feels right for me, although I realise that's very subjective.

Which should you buy? Both are solid wood, and will only improve through time, but I suspect the Martin, with it's superior timbers and that headstock logo is the one that will gain in value. That said, if I was offered the choice of the two at the same price, and I knew I would never sell it or give it away, I think I'd pick the Harley Benton.
Now, take into account what these two actually cost, and I think it's an easy choice.

I have just received my all-solid CLA-15M - I also own a CLA-15M none solid - the difference in sound is like night and day. The all-solid has a wonderful bottom end, crisp highs, and an overall smoother tone, beautifully finished too, has more of a natural look to the wood then the non-solid version, I cannot find any faults whatsoever....Amazing!! and for £200 WOW!! I can't wait for it to mature.

I have compared this model (side by side) with a 2015 Harley Benton CLA-15M and the older model was far superior. I have also compared the non SolidWood model (current 2022) and the built looks very similar but feels and sound quite different. I wish I could get my hands on the older model. The 2015 guitar I tested isn't mine but is simply fantastic, the sustain and attack was really impressive for the price range. I would imagine there's been a change of factory (?).

The current models in 2022 (non- & solidWood) are made in China and feel more plastic like to me. It's hard to describe, but that's the feeling I get under my fingers. I had a similar experience with the Gretsch Gin Rickey; also matt finish, Pau Ferro fingerboard and made in China.

This being said, a solid wood guitar in this price range is really a bargain. I appreciate Harley Benton's consistent effort to create an affordable wide variety of products. I believe some of them (some specific models with specific year of production) will become collectibles in the future.